1 of 8

Hot air balloons prepare for take-off early Tuesday morning at Morgantown Elementary School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Hot air balloons take-off early Tuesday morning at Morgantown Elementary School.(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Hot air balloons prepare for take-off early Tuesday morning at Morgantown Elementary School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Hot air balloons prepare for take-off early Tuesday morning at Morgantown Elementary School. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Balloons fly over the Mississippi River.(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Hot air balloons take-off early Tuesday morning at Morgantown Elementary School.(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

A balloon spotted near Old River.(Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

Kurt Vitense entertains residents at the Adams County Nursing Center with a balloon tether. (Sabrina Robertson | The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — The early bird gets the worm, so the saying goes.

Three Missouri hot air balloon pilots who arrived in Natchez for the upcoming Natchez Balloon Festival are getting their first flights in ahead of the big event.

At least one balloonist, Kurt Vitense, took to the skies on Monday evening. Gary Whitby and Jason Gaines in his new balloon called “Sugar Momma” took off from Morgantown Elementary School on Tuesday morning and flew over the Mississippi River and landed between Vidalia and Ferriday on the levee road near Old River.

Vitense later entertained residents at the Adams County Nursing Center with a balloon tether in the grassy field next to the nursing home where the residents could watch.

Keep eyes on the skies, especially in the early morning and mid-afternoon, for a chance to see balloons fly this week and during the 37^th annual Natchez Balloon Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Bands will entertain on the grounds of Rosalie on Friday and Saturday only and Balloon flights are scheduled throughout the weekend around 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. as weather permits.

Tickets and merchandise are on sale now at www.natchezballoonfestival.com and will also be sold at the Historic Natchez Foundation and the festival site.

More News

It’s a routine night of approvals for Preservation Commission

Coleman Carter signs with D1 University of Louisiana Lafayette

Wreaths Across America Ceremony set for Saturday, Dec. 14

City trying new approach to decorative lighting on bridge